Latest News

Parents today praised a unique business-focussed sixth form for setting their children on the path to a professional career.

BMAT STEM Academy offers students from Year 10 the opportunity to study subjects including computer science, 3D design and media studies.

With links to industry, both in the town and further afield, young people are able to gain valuable work experience and insights into the world of work during their time at the centre.

As Year 13 students collected their A-level and BTEC results today, parents celebrated their decision to put their trust in the new school just one year into its opening.

 

Owen Keen, from Waltham Abbey, picked up a double Distinction in engineering diploma and a Merit in applied science extended certificate which secured his engineering apprenticeship with TClarke.

Proud father Jason said: “Owen wanted to concentrate on STEM subjects, so it was his choice to move to BMAT STEM Academy. We were a bit nervous at first, but had a site tour and were impressed with the set-up and the machinery they had available for students to use. He was very excited to go there.

“The school helped Owen to work out what he wanted to do. We went along to information evenings about apprenticeships and he was adamant that is what he wanted to do.”

Owen, who joined BMAT STEM in Year 10, said: “Someone from BMAT STEM came into my previous school to do a talk and it sounded right up my street. We went for an open day and everything sounded great; I was really interested in it.

“The teachers are really friendly and know how to help and are good at communicating.

“My results are better than I was hoping for. It was quite nerve-racking waiting for them. TClarke were happy with my predicted grades, so they will be even more pleased now they are better.

“I felt like university would be like school all over again and I wanted to get into the workplace and put myself out there.

“It has all worked out exactly as I had planned.”

 

Neila Ali, from Harlow, is going to study interior architecture at Lincoln University – a dream she has held since she was a little girl.

Her mother Nicola said: “Neila has wanted to do architecture since she was eight, so BMAT STEM Academy was attractive as it offered subjects such as engineering and 3D design to help her. We had a tour and she really liked it and so we were happy for her to go.

“She has been really happy at BMAT STEM. The school has been really good. I never had to worry about her being there. Even if there were minor issues, they would call us straight away and it would be dealt with.

“Mr Ramsey, the head, in particular, went out of his way to help Neila and to give her his support.”

Neila, who joined BMAT STEM Academy in Year 10, achieved a Pass and a Merit in her BTEC courses.

 

George Dilworth-Wild, who achieved two A grades and a B grade in his A-levels, is going on to Portsmouth University to study physics.

Mother Ellie Morris said the unique range of subjects at BMAT STEM are what attracted them to the school in Year 10.

She said: “George has a scientific mind and has always enjoyed science and maths. We picked BMAT STEM Academy because the subjects he could study there were more interesting to him than those at regular secondary schools.

“The teachers have been wonderfully supportive of him, both academically and personally.

“It is definitely a school I would recommend.”